German Roughhaired Pointer for sale in the Netherlands

Background and temperament

The breed was developed in Germany as a rare hardy German working gundog with a bristly coat and great persistence in field, forest and water. That original task still shapes drive, pace and independence. Expect the breed behaviour described here and do not choose on appearance alone. Build recall, steadiness to game, retrieving and gun introduction carefully through rewards without trying to suppress hunting passion through harsh correction. Start socialisation, solitude and calm handling while young, using rewards and clear predictable boundaries. A stable dog can recover from new stimuli without continually barking, fleeing or threatening.

Exercise and daily care

Plan long terrain exercise and hunting-oriented scent work every day and inspect ears, eyes, feet, muscles and ticks after field work. Coat care is: Stiff bristly topcoat with undercoat and beard. Brush and trim functionally. Also inspect ears, teeth, nails, skin and pads weekly. Keep the dog lean and increase running, jumping, cycling or heavy work gradually while growing. A garden does not replace shared exercise, mental work and rest. Teach an off-switch too, so extensive activity does not become chronic agitation.

Health and choosing a breeder

Request official hip, elbow and ECVO results and discuss epilepsy, heart, thyroid disease, skin and inbreeding in the very small population. Request original results linked to both parents and verify date, identity and assessing body. A verbal promise or DNA panel alone is insufficient. Discuss longevity, behaviour, causes of death and relatedness across the family. Choose a breeder who records problems, socialises puppies appropriately and values functional build and temperament above colour, size or show results.